How to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10

Windows XP has not been officially supported since 2014, but there are still many devices that run it. Here’s how to update to Windows 10.

Support for Windows XP might end in 2014, but that doesn’t stop people from using the operating system. In fact, millions of people are still considered to be using software that is now 19 years old.

However, this can be a dangerous strategy. Without direct support from Microsoft, Windows XP is vulnerable to viruses and malware that will quickly be patched on Windows 10. This means

If you are still running Windows XP, it’s likely that your device is old enough that it might not be eligible for an upgrade to Windows 10. It’s a good idea to check full device compatibility on the Microsoft website.

If Windows 10 isn’t available, maybe it’s time to buy a new laptop or PC. Our best budget laptop graphics are a good place to start.

If you are unable to do this, you may still be able to install Windows 10. You must do a clean install because there is no way to update and save your files, settings, and programs. This is not a Windows 10 limitation but XP: even if you want to upgrade to Windows 7 from XP you have to erase your hard disk and start again.

How much does Windows 10 cost?

Windows 10 Home costs £ 119.99 / US $ 139 and Professional will set you back £ 219.99 / US $ 199.99. You can choose download or USB.

You can read our comparison of Windows XP and Windows 10 but the point is Windows 10 is certainly the best version of Windows.

Should I upgrade from Windows XP?

You will be surprised at how much your computer appears to speed up when you install a new Windows. Starting from a clean hard disk means there is no build-up of programs that start with Windows, slowing it down and using valuable memory.

Another great upgrade for older PCs or laptops is SSD. Solid-state drives are much, much faster than traditional hard disks and can give new life to a PC that you think is destined for heaps of memos. Here’s how to install the SSD on your PC (or upgrade your laptop to SSD).

If you have a machine that is more than eight years old, it might be a better idea to save money on a Windows 10 (and SSD) license and put cash into a new laptop or PC.

As we said at the beginning, there are many reasons why you should not be running Windows XP: they are no longer supported and can be vulnerable to hackers and viruses. You can’t use Google Chrome on XP right now. If there is a program that you can only run on XP, then you can create a virtual machine on Windows 10 and run Windows XP, and your legacy programs, instead.

Can I update XP to Windows 10?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade ‘on the spot’ as you can with Windows 7 and 8. Basically, you have to erase your hard disk and start from scratch.

So, it is possible to install Windows 10 on an old PC, but it’s not as easy as updating and saving your files, applications, and settings.

Here’s how to install Windows 10 on a PC or laptop running Windows XP.

Before you begin, you must copy everything you want to save to an external hard drive, USB flash drive or cloud storage services such as Dropbox or OneDrive.

Also, find your software installation disc and license key. If you misplaced the key, use a free program such as Magical Jellybean Keyfinder to find these codes in the Windows registry, and then write them down.

If you save your email inbox or any archive, make sure to back it up too, and export internet bookmarks and other settings that you want to save.

Only then can you start the Windows 10 installation. There is actually no guarantee that all your programs will be compatible with the new version of Windows, or your old peripherals – especially printers and scanners.

You should check online to see if there is information about compatibility with Windows 10. If a Windows 7 driver is available for your particular model, it should work on Windows 10.

Should I buy a new laptop or PC?

That is a difficult question to answer. If performance is still solid, you might be able to get away with just upgrading to Windows 10.

Our advice, however, is to save £ 100 or more you will spend on Windows 10 and put it on a new PC or laptop. Laptops start around £ 200, but you will pay at least £ 400 for the good and £ 750 or more for the great. We have compiled a list of the best budget laptops and the best laptops directly to help you choose.

PCs are a little different because you can store your keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers and simply upgrade the PC box itself. The price is only £ 300, but you have to budget around $ 400-500 for something relatively strong and lasting in the future.